Clinton State Park Is A Scenic Outdoor Spot In Kansas That's A Nature Lover’s Dream Come True
By Melissa Mahoney|Published January 18, 2022
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Connecting with nature is almost a necessity to our existence. Spending time exploring a place where we can unplug from our electronic devices in the age of technology is something we should all seek out. If you’re a nature lover, check out Clinton State Park, one of the best state parks in Kansas. It offers numerous options for outdoor recreation and is so scenic it will make you forget to check the messages on your phone.
With 1,500 acres of picturesque landscape, a lake, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, Clinton State Park is a nature lover's dream! You can find it along the north shore of Clinton Lake.
In the warmer months, enjoy the lakeside beach and go for a swim in its crystal clear waters. You can also challenge your friends or family in a game at the sand volleyball court.
If you enjoy boating, there are boat ramps here for you to use. Launch yours and spend the day out on the water relaxing, fishing, or swimming off the boat. If you don't have your own boat, Clinton Marina offers rentals in addition to its boat storage and sales services.
In addition to the lake, there is a 25-mile bike/hiking trail system, a mountain bike course, a three-acre trout pond, a one-acre fishing pond just for children, an archery range, an 18-hole disc golf course, and more! It's one of the best state parks in Kansas with all the outdoor activities it offers.
Wildlife viewing and birdwatching are quite popular here at Clinton State Park. With some patience and a little bit of luck, you may be able to spot wild turkeys, bald eagles, deer, and a variety of waterfowl and songbirds.
For those who wish to spend the night, there are campgrounds offering a total of 378 sites throughout the park. Of those sites, 173 are primitive while the rest offer water and electric hook-ups. Additionally, there are six cabins that can sleep up to six guests and an additional one that can sleep eight.
The Elk Creek Cabin (pictured here) is the only pet-friendly cabin in the park if you plan on bringing your four-legged friend(s).
While most popular during the warmer months, the winter offers a whole new perspective at this park. Enjoy the quiet as you go for a winter hike or cross-country skiing along the five-mile designated cross-country skiing trail.
Have you explored Clinton State Park, one of the best state parks in Kansas? Tell us about your experience in the comments! To learn more, visit the Clinton State Park webpage and follow the Facebook page for updates.
